Quick disconnect coupling for cables



Feb. 14, 1950 E. G. PETERS QUICK, nx scommcm COUPLING FOR CABLES 2 Sheeis-Sheet 1 Filed March 5, 19.47

Inventor EDGAR G. PETERS Agent Feb. 14, 1950 E. G.- PETERS 2,497,467

QUICK DISCONNECT COUPLING FOR- CABLES Filed March 3, 1 .9547 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I I Inventor so v EDGAR G. PETERS Agent.

disconnecting sections of the cables.

Patented Feb. 14, 1950 UNITED STATES "PATENT OFFICE QUICK DISCONNECT COUPLING TOR CABLES Edgar G. Peters, Burbank, Califi, 'assignor to Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, Burbank,

Calif.

Application March 3, 19,47, seen No. ream 9 Claims. (01. 224- 68) v 1 i This invention relates to "quickly detachable connectors :for connecting flexible elements such cables, wire ropes, wires, rods, -etc.- It is a generalobject of this invention to provide a simple,

practicaland-dependable connector of this character.

required. Itis, ,of. course, important that the connectors be strong andreliable in service and resist accidental ornnintentional release.

It is an object of this invention to ,provide a connectori'or cables and the like that is strong and positive when in service and yet may be easily and quickly released to allowldisconnection of the cables. 7

It is another object of the invention to provide a connector for connecting-the ends ofcable xor the like equipped with ball end fittings which connector is characterized by improved means .for retaining the ball fi-ttings' in the seated position in recesses in the connector, this means being easily released intentionally to allow detachment of the cable. In certain .forms of the invention the means-for retaining the ball fittings .in their recesses latches directly with the balls themselves "while in other embodiments the ball the balls in their recesses *and to restore proper tension inthe cable when the connector is again conditioned for use. In vaddition'to tensioning the cable and seating the balls, the device positively looks or retains the balls in their seats when restored 'to' its service condition.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of I typical embodiments, through which description reference will *be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is aside elevation of one'connector of the invention in the open or released condition;

Figure 12 is .a side view .of the connector illusjtratedlin Figure ,1 showing it'in the operative or service condition;

"{Eigures '3, 4, 55 and I6 are enlarged transverse f detailed sectionalviews taken as "indicated by lines 3-4 4-4, 5-5and 6-6 respectively on Figure 2,;

eFigure "i is a view similar .to Figure 1 showing another form or the invention;

Figure B .is a side elevation of the connector illustrated in Figure? in'the operative or service condition with a portion of the clip broken away to appear in longitudinal cross-section;

Figure 9 is an enlarged longitudinal detailed sectional view takenas indicated byline 9-5 on Figure8; V

Figure 10 is an enlarged transverse sectiona' View taken as indicated by line ill-Iii on Figure -8,;

Figure 11 isv a perspective view of still another Jformlof the invention withapor-tion of the clip broken away;

Figure 12 is aside elevation of the connector illustrated-in :Figure l1 with the clip appearing inlongitud-inal crossasection; and

Figure 13 is Va'transver'se sectional view taken .asindicated byline I3|3-on Figure 12.

"Figures 1 to in inclusive illustrate an embodiment of the invention whichautomatically ltensions the cables when operated to its service condition and which produces slack in the cables when operated to its released condition. This form of the invention includes two complemenlt-ar-yflbody sections iii and a link ii connecting the two sections. The body sections it are elongate "parts of suitable cross-section formed at their outer ends tor the reception of the cable end fittings. "The sections I!) may be alike or identical and as illustrated may be rectangular -intransverse 'cro'ssesec'tion. The outer end portions of the sections IB are block-like .in shape and'ha've transverse slots l2 which join transverse openings 13. Theends of the cables C have swed gecl-on fittings 14 terminating in substantially spherical balls i5. The slotsl2 are propertioned 'to freely receive -the fittings l4 and the openings 13 are adapted to receive the balls 15.

From an inspection of Fifgure l it will be readily understood how -the fittings may be passed lat r erallyin'to the slots 12 to engage the'balls 15in the openings 13.

In accordance with the invention the walls of the openings 13 are spherically undercutormade spherically concave adjacent and at the isidesot balls 15 with their seats l'l resists lateral displacement of the balls "from the, openings l3. It will be noted that the'b'lock-like end portions of the body sections liltprovidelample stock cr material where the balls I5 engage in the body sections. 1

The body sections It further include intermediate portions l8 of reduced width connecting the above described block-like end portions with opposite end portions of U shaped cross-section. These opposite end portions have spaced side walls I9 joined by webs 2B which are, in effect,

between the released or open position of Figure 1 and the engaged or closed position of Figure 2. The link I I may be a simple elongate part having its end portions received between the side walls I9 of the sections I0. Hinge pins H are engaged in transverse openings in the side walls I9 and the end parts of the link II to pivotally connect the sections I with the link. The opposite ends of the pivot pins 2| may be riveted over or headed up to permanently connect the parts. When the connector is in the open or extended condition shown in Figure 1, its overall length is materially increased. This provides slack in the cable C and allows easy entrance or removal of the balls I from their openings I3, as the case may be. Upon moving the body sections I0 together or toward one another the link I I causes them to move axially in a manner to reduce the overall length of the device. This tightens or tensions the cable C and firmly engages the balls I5 in their seats I1. Furthermore, when the body sections ID are moved together, each section has its side walls I9 in adjacent overlapping relation to the sides of the block-like end part of the other section II Thus the side walls I9 are brought to positions where they close the opposite ends of the openings I3 to positively prevent displacement of the balls I5 from the openings.

The invention provides means for looking or retaining the body sections In in the closed position of Figure 2 where the balls I5 are positively held in the openings I3. The parts are constructed and. related so that the axes of the pivot pins 2I throw over center or beyond the central longitudinal axis of the device to resist opening or extending of the device. The webs .20 are engageable with the surfaces of the blocklike end parts to limit the closing of the device and the parts are related so that the pivot pins 2I move a short distance over center before the surfaces come into engagement. Additional means are provided to lock or retain the sections In in the closed or service positions of Figure 2. Openings 23 and. 24 are provided in the link II and side walls I9 respectively. These openings are located to come into register when the sections ID are brought to the contracted or closed position of Figure 2 and are adapted to receive safety Wire or cotter pins 25. It will be seen that the cotter pins 25 positively hold or look the sections In in the contracted positions where the balls I5 are positively retained in the openings However, it is to be understood that the pins 25 normally do not take any of the tensile load transmitted through the connector and the pins are primarily safety devices.

It is believed that the operation of the connector of Figures 1 to 6 inclusive will be readily understood from the foregoing detailed description. To'connect the cables C with the body sections II], the sections I0 are first moved to the extended positions shown in Figure 1 and the fittings I4 are entered into the slots I2 so as to the side waus I9 are brought to the positions iii) where they positively retain the balls I5 in the openings I3 by closing the opposite ends of the openings. The openings 23 and 24 are brought into alignment when the body sections II) are moved together and the cotter pins 25 are passed through the aligned openings to lock the device in the closed or service position. To release the cable C the cotter pins 25 are first removed and the body sections ii) are then moved to the positions shown in Figure 1. This slacks off the cable C an'dexposes the openings I3 and slots I2 so that the fittings I4 and balls I5 may be easily disengaged from the body sections.

Figures 7, 8 and 9 illustrate another form of the invention'invvhich the cable is tensioned when the device is conditioned for service and wherein the cable is slackened when; the connector is conditioned to permitdis connection of the cable. This device includes two body sections 30 connected by a link 3|, and a clip 32 for retaining the ball fittings in positive engagement with the body sections. v

The body sections 33 may be similar or identical parts and each includes an end portion 33 of substantial width provided with a slot 34 and an opening 35 corresponding to the slots I2 and openings I3 described above. The forward walls of the openings l3'are' spherically concave to provide seats 36 for the balls I5 of the cable fittings. The fittings I4 and the balls I5 are readily entered into the slots 34 and the openings 35 by moving them laterally into place. In this construction the parts are proportioned so that the balls i5 protrudefrom the opposite sides of the body portions 33 when seated in the openings 35. This is best illustrated in Figure 9.

Each body section 33 further includes an intermediate portion 35'connecting its end portion 33 with an opposite end portion 31. Ledges 38 extend along the outer margins of the intermediate portions 36 and end portions 31. The inner margins of the body sections are defined in part by cylindrically curved concave surfaces 39. The end portion 31 of one body section 30 has a tongue 40 of reduced thickness projecting toward the opposite end portion 33. The end part 3'! of the other section 33 has a similar tongue 42. The tongues. 40 arid-42 may be related to come into lapped relation where the body sections 33' are brought to the closed or service positions. However, I have shown the tongue 42 split or bifurcated to receive the tongue 40 when the sections 30 are moved to the contracted or service positions. Each portion 31 and its tongue has a cylindrically curved convex surface adapted to nest or seat in the surface 39 of the other body section 30 when the connector is closed or brought to the service condition.

The above mentioned link 3| connects the body sections 30 for actuation or movement between the extended position of Figure 7 and the contracted or service position of Figures 8 and 9. The link 3| preferably consists of two parts or c emo 5 leaves arranged at opposite "sides "of the body portions '31 andsecured thereto by pivot'pins M.

:best shown "in'Figure 9, "the pins '4! "are engaged in transverse openings the portions 31 and link 3| and't'heir opposite ends may be upset "to permanently pivotally connect the body sections 30 and link 3-1. The parts are relatedso thatthe axes "ofthepivot pins 4 l move over or pass the "central longitudinal axis of the device when the sections till are moved to the service positions "of Figures 8 and "9. The above mentioned ledges 38 may coo erate withthe leaves of the "link 3l to "limit the inward travel of the 'bddysec t'ions 30 and stop them in the operative or serv'icepositions. The-over center position of "the pivots l effectively resists unintentional 'movem'en'to'f*thebody-sections"3'0 toward the extended positions.

I'he'a'f'ore'mentioned clip 32 cooperates'with'the balls 1 5 of "the 'ca blexfittings "to retain them in their openings 35 and to hold or assist in holding the body sections 50 in their service positions. I he clip is an elongate member of *U shaped cross-section designed to straddle or en'gage over the "body-sections 30 and link 3 l It'i's preferred to -construct the c1ip'32 of steel or other flexible resilient material so that :it may snap "over the Mills 15 as will be later -des'c'ribed. The clip 32 "has two par'all'el :sides' '44 integrally joined along their upper edges b .a curved *web '45. The sides are adapted :toilie adjacent to or in engage- 'm'ent with the isideifacesio'f the link .3! andled'ge's 38 1 and are stepped inv/atdlyat 416 so as to engage along -the sidesof the end portions 33. The clip als' designed to h'ave latching engagement with the .5;

protruding portions of "the balls 45. Transverse o'pezi'ings '41 are provided the "sides 44 i the cup and are located and proportioned to cooperate with the projecting parts of the balls. When the body sections 3:!) have been brought to the contracted or service positions, the clip .32 is'encz'g 'age'd over the device and is'pressed inwardly so "that'the balls 1-5 snap into the openings '41, the sides "14 of the clip flexing outwardly and then 'spring ing back'to provide the snap action. The

engagement lof the balls 15 in the openings 41 holds the balls against -"dis'placement fr0m their openings 45 and locks the olip'lin position on the device. Furthermore, engagement of the balls 15 in the openings '51 latches or looks the body sections 31! against accidental movement toward the-open or extendedposition's.

' if desired, additional means may be provided "to retain the clip '32 in position and to prevent accidental disconnection of the device. This means may comprise a series "of openings 48 :in "the clips'ides'M, link 5] and tongues wand-42, which openings come into alignment whenthe sections 30 are moved to the contracted or service -positions. A cotter pin'49, =or' the equivalent, is passed through the aligned openings "48 to "positive'l'y 'retain theclip iw in its active locking position. The pin 49 is a safety lock and does not assume the tensile'load transmit-ted by the connector.

In using the device of Figures 7, -8 and 9, the body sections .30 are first moved to the extended positions shown Figure "7. The halls l5 of the cable fittings are then passed laterally into their openings @35 and the body sections 30 are moved It will be observed that "when "the sections .30 are in their extended positions :the cable C .is slack so "that the b'alls 315 may be readily entered in the openings 35. When the body sections 30 are moved toward one an- 6 other the overall length of the connector is ireduced and the :cable is put "under tension. iFIhis firm'ly seats the balls 45 in'itheir seats. The clip 32 is then pressed over the connector'sothat the balls snap into the openings '41 :As above described, this-positively.-locks or retains the' balls Hi" in l'ih'e--' dp'ell ing's 35 and latches the clip 32 on the connector. If desired, or believed necessary, the cotter pin '49 may be arranged :through the openingsda to positively secure the clip "in place. When it 'isidesired F170 "disconnect the cable C the 'clip- 3 2 disengaged from the connector and the ise'otions are swung-t0 the extended positions. provides slack in the cable and per- 'mits easyfidisengagementof the "balls I 5 from "the openi ng'sifi. I I

:In :Figures :10 to '13 inclusive of the drawings, Ihave:ilhistratedaa simple form-of the invention whlchicomprisesia body 5ll and-a cli i5l for retaining the cable fittings in positive tension transmitting engagement with the body.

The body 50 may be a simple block-like lparft provided with "two transverse openings 52 Ifor receiving the balls =15 of the 'cable fittings. Transverse slots -53 extend from the openings 52 to the adjacent'ends of'the body 50 to fireelyreoeive the :fittings I4. The Walls of the openings 52 are spherically concave adjacent the :slots 53 to. pres entse'ats 54 0f substantial area which-conform with the balls. The-opposite sides of the \body 50 may the hat paral-lel and the body is proportioned so that the balls project from these side surfaces.

The above mentioned clip =51 is 'a memberof :U shaped cross-section having two spaced side walls 55 connected at their upper edges by a "curved bridge -or web 56. The clip is :iormed of steel or the like to have the desired-flexibility. :It ispreferred to construct the clip 5-! of-approximately the same :length as the body and the clip is adapted to be engaged "downwardly over the body. wransverse openings 5'! are provided tn the side walls of the clip to receive the projecting portions of the balls. The openings 51 arelocateda'nd zprfoportionedso that the balls -l'5 snap into them when the-clip is pressed down over the body.

In using'thezcab'le connector of :Figures 11, 12 and 13, the balls 15 l and the fittings 14 are entered laterally into the openings 52 and slots 53 so that the "balls may engage in their seats 54. With the balls 15 in I1p0siti0n the clip 5| vis engaged'on the body 50 and .is pressed into place so that the balls I5 snap into the opening-s51. Tlheenga'gement of the openings-51 with the balls positively holds "the iball's in the :openings 52 rand at their :seats *54 "and therefore assures a positive connection of j the cable C. When :it :igidesired to di'sconneotthe lo able- C rth'e clip'5l is disengaged :irom the body '50. This leaves the ends of the openings 52 open :andthe balls 15 are easil-yire moved from the =:opening'-s to tree the cable C.

Having described only typical preferred forms of the invention do not wish to be 'restricted "to the :specific :detai'ls :set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any features or modifications may fall within the 1 scope of the iollowing claims.

- .Ic-laim: 21.. --;A=ce:rm:ector ffor cables "andthe like having and fittings with balllike heads, the connector *comprising two "body sections, each I section having :a *transverse ripening adjacent the end, each opening having at least one end open at a side of its respective section for the reception of a 7 cable fitting head, a linkconnecting the body sections for movement toward and away from one another to tension and slacken the cables connected therewith, and means associated with the sections for preventing displacement of the heads from the openings when the body sections are in the positions Where the cables are tensioned.

2. A connector for cables and the like having end fittings with ball-like heads, the connector comprising two body sections, each section having a transverse opening extending through it from one side to the other and adapted to receive a cable fitting head, each section also having a slot extending from one end to its respective opening for receiving a cable fitting, a link connecting the sections for movement toward and away from one another to tension and slacken the cables connected therewith, and means associated with the sections for retaining said heads in the openings when the sections are in the positions where the cables are tensioned, said means including spaced walls for lying adjacent said sides of the sections at said openings.

3. A connector for cables and the like having end fittings with ball-like heads, the connector comprising two body sections, each section having a transverse opening adjacent one end, each opening having at least one end open at a side of its respective section for the reception of a cable fitting head, a link connecting the body sections for movement toward and away from one another to tension and slacken the cables connected therewith, and a substantially U- shaped part on each section for straddling the other section to close the ends of its opening when the sections are in the positions where the cables are tensioned.

4. A connector for cables and the like having end fittings with ball-like heads, the connector comprising two body sections, each section having a transverse opening adjacent one end, each opening have at least one end open at a side of its respective section for the reception of a cable fitting head, a link connecting the body sections for movement toward and away from one another to tension and slacken the cables connected therewith, at least one wall on each section adapted to lie alongside of said side of the other section to close the end of its respective opening when the sections are in the position where the cables aretensioned, and means for retaining the sections in the positions where the cables are tensioned.

5. A connector for cables and the like having end fittings with ball-like heads, the connector comprising two body sections, each section hav ing a transverse opening adjacent one end, each opening having at least one end open at a side 'of its respective section for the reception of a cable fitting head, a link connecting the body sections for movement toward and away from one another to tension and slacken the cables connected therewith, and a single member arranged on the sections to prevent displacemen of the heads from said openings.

6. A connector for cables and'the'like having ball end fittings, the connector comprising two body sections, each section having a slot entering it from one end and a transverse opening joining the slot, the slot being adapted to receive a cable fitting and the opening being adapted to 'receivethe ball of the fitting insuch a manner that the ball protrudes from the opposite sides of the section, a link connecting the sections for movement toward and away from one another to tension and'slacken the cables connected therewith, and a clip adapted to snap over the protruding portions of the balls to retain the balls in said openings.

7. A connector for cables and the like having ball end fittings, the connector comprising two body sections, each section having a slot entering it from one end and a transverse opening joining the slot, the slot being adapted to receive a cable fitting and the opening being adapted to receive the ball of the fitting in such a manner that the ball protrudes from the opposite sides of the section, a link connecting the sections for movement toward and away from one another to tension and slacken the cables connected therewith, and a clip arranged on the sections and having spaced side walls at the sides of the sections, said side walls having openings adapted to have snap engagement with the protruding portions of the balls to retain the balls in the openings.

8. A connector for cables and the like having ball end fittings, the connector comprising two body sections, each section having a slot entering it from one end and a transverse opening joining the slot, the slot being adapted to receive a cable fitting and the opening being adapted to receive the ball of the fitting in such a manner that the ball protrudes from the opposite sides of the section, a link connecting the sections for'movement toward and away from one another to tension and slacken the cables connected therewith, and a lJ-shaped spring clip arranged on the sections and having spaced side Walls at the sides of the sections, said side walls having openings adapted to have snap engagement with the protruding portions of the balls to retain the balls in the openings. Y

9. A connector for cables and the like having end fittings with ball-like heads, the connector comprising two body sections, each section having a transverse opening adjacent one end, each opening having at least one end open at a side of its respective section for the reception of a cable fitting head, a link, pivot pins connecting the link with the body sections so that the link connects the body sections for movement toward and away from one another to tension and slacken the cables connected therewith, walls on each section adapted to lie alongside the sides of the other section to close the ends of its transverse opening when the sections are in theposition where the cables are tensioned, the axes of said pivot pins being moved past the central 1ongitudinal axis of the connector when the sections are moved to the position where the cables are tensioned, and means for retaining the sections in the positions where the cables are tensioned.

EDGAR G. PETERS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Bratz Dec. 15, 1942 

